FEDERAL AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16938, 12 January 1923, Page 7

FEDERAL AFFAIRS.

GOVERNMENT LAND POLICY By Telegraph—Press Asßoc.ia.tion—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 12, 11.10 a*.m.) SYDNEY, January 12. The National Party, in a farewell messnge to Sir George Fuller, endorsed the Government’s land policy. STEEL WORKERS’ AWARD SY'DNEY, January 12. The Arbitration Court by consent of the parties, has made an order iu respect to the steel works employees’ award terms. Work will now be resumed at the Newcastle steel works as soon as possible. THE GOLD YIELD. MELBOURNE, January 12. The gold yield for the last year totalled 761,426 ounces of hue gold. There is an increase of 303 ounces compared with the previous year. This is ihe first time since 1913 that the decline in yield has been arrested. SENATE ELECTION. Mr Edward Findlay has l>een elected to tire third Senate vacancy, making three Labour Senators for the State Commonwealth. AGENTS’ OOMMI SION. BRISBANE, January 12. Under the Profiteering Prevention Act, a proclamation has been issued leguLat.ing the rates of oom mission v\ hich may be charged by commission agents selling fruit at the wholesale pi ice. THE PRICE OF BUTTER. BRISBANE, January 1. Butter advanced in price from 186 s 8d to 196 s per cWt. THE FORTY-EIGHT HOURS WEEK. SYDNEY, January 12. The Railway Commissioners have announced that from Monday next the forty-eight hours week will be reintroduced in railway and tramway workshops, and Saturday morning work will also be reverted to. Following this, a number of employees have been given notice of dismissal for the reason that with a longer working week their services will not be required. A mass meeting of engineers on Saturday will consider what action fib all be taken. SICK PAY FOR SEAMEN, ADELAIDE, January 12. A meeting of the Seamen’s Union ciscussed the question of seamen’s wages when they are left ashore while sick at ports outside their home ports irom Commonwealth Government steamers. Tt is stated that while the Navigation Act provides for the payu ent of wages the line refused to do so The meeting decided to refuse to frign on in Commonwealth Government ships except under conditions providing for such payment.